When was the last time you treated yourself to a facial? If you can’t remember or perhaps think that facials don’t fit into your busy schedule, read on. You may be surprised to find that they’re not only a necessary part of a wholesome skincare routine but are quite easy to enjoy at home!

First, what is a facial?

A facial is a multi-step procedure performed frequently to sustain optimal skin health. Professional facials are some of the best ways to achieve healthy, clear, and youthful skin.

A facial is different from your regular skincare routine; it has many benefits, which include balancing the mind as well as the skin. Facials have developed and become more advanced over the years. There are now so many types which employ a number of techniques and ingredients that it can be a little overwhelming.

Facials - whether for brightening, hydrating, firming, purifying, or anti-aging - should be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. With that in mind, read on for the best ways you can unwind and treat yourself to luxurious DIY skin facials.

DIY Facial with Professional Products 

While facials are a relaxing experience, they should also be effective. Using biocompatible, synergistic products that align with your skincare goals is key to getting the best outcome. As you go over the steps below, keep in mind that they can and should be adjusted depending on the current needs of your skin.

Pull your hair away from your face with a headband and set the mood. Put on relaxing music, light a candle and get your products lined up for easy access. Remember to wash your hands and steam your face to open up the pores.

Every great facial starts with a thorough cleanse. A good cleansing doesn’t only remove makeup and dirt, but it also gets your skin ready to absorb the nourishing products.

An oil-based cleanser like Dp Derm’s Tri-Phase Cleanser***, which uses Rice Bran Oil, is ideal for removing dirt, oil, makeup and skin care product residue. To apply, use either your clean fingers in sweeping motions and massage the cleanser for about 2-3 minutes, or a mildly exfoliating brush like the Oscisonic Cleanser Head. This promotes a glowing, healthy complexion. 

Remove the product with a warm, damp, soft washcloth.

***NOTE: When using Tri-Phase Cleanser, remember to apply it to dry skin, then massage it in gently to loosen dirt and makeup before adding water. This ensures that you get the benefits of all three of the cleanser’s phases. Plus the oil phase of the cleanser provides the perfect opportunity for a relaxing facial massage! 

Depending on the type you choose, facial masks help moisturize, hydrate, exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. 

With their absorbent, exfoliating and astringent properties, clay face masks are suitable for all skin types. Facial masks such as the CLR Clarifying Clay Mask and  Radiant-C Mask contain a unique blend of earth-derived minerals, clays and antioxidants that opens up clogged pores and improves exfoliation.

Hyla Active 3D Sculptured Mask, which uses patented HylaFuse technology to hydrate your skin, is also preferred by professionals. The best part? You don’t have to remain still for the 10-20 minutes that you wear it. Its silky, soft fibers fit perfectly on your skin, with ear loops to keep it in place! And once the mask is off, make sure to squeeze out all -remaining liquid from the sachet and massage it into your skin so as to not miss out on any of the vitamin-rich goodness.

Much like in a professional setting, the products you use in your DIY facial should reflect your skincare goals. It’s important to always include an antioxidant product that can help neutralize free radical damage from exposure to UV rays and blue light. 

• Brightening: After using a skin-balancing toner, apply skin lightening serum. If you have a darker skin tone, make sure that the product you are using is safe for all skin tones. Brite Lite from Dp Dermaceuticals is a great option.  
• Reverse Aging: While antioxidant products with proper concentrations of Vitamin C go a long way in helping reduce signs of aging, you also want to use products that work with your cells to stop aging in its tracks - and even reverse it. The EXO-SKIN EXOSOME THERAPY serum is the ultimate product for anti-aging. One of the first exosome therapies available for home use, it uses ethically-sourced exosomes to boost natural cellular repair, maximizing the potential of skin regeneration and reducing signs of aging. It also uses FOUR stabilized forms of Vitamin C to fight free radical damage.

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body, making it prone to showing signs of aging before the rest. This area needs to be carefully hydrated, and skin tightened with products specifically designed for it.

R.E.R Eye Masks contain hyaluronic acid, which fights signs of aging. Apply the eye mask and leave it on for 10 to 30 minutes, and then apply R.E.R Eye Serum, an eye-lifting serum to further combat puffiness and dark circles. 

While there are products only reserved for professional use under the strict direction of a treatment provider, Dp Derm’s collection of at-home products allows you to have a DIY facial that is effective and convenient. Our Skin Veneer locks in moisture and strengthens the barrier function to protect against harsh environmental conditions.

Now that you have all the steps of your at-home DIY facial laid out, it’s time to treat yourself to the best dermatologist-approved at-home routine.